Why ASTM A516 Gr.70 flanges are more expensive than ASTM A105 flanges?

Both ASTM A516 Gr.70 and ASTM A105 are steels used for different applications, for pressure vessel and flange fabrication respectively. The price difference between the two can be caused by several factors:

1. Material cost difference:

ASTM A516 Gr.70 is usually used to manufacture pressure vessels, and its materials must meet higher requirements, including tensile strength, yield strength, impact toughness, etc. In contrast, ASTM A105 is used to manufacture flanges, which generally have lower material requirements. Therefore, the production cost of ASTM A516 Gr.70 may be higher.

2. Differences in material properties:

ASTM A516 Gr.70 materials usually require more engineering processing and handling to meet their application requirements under high pressure and high temperature conditions. This may require more process and material control, further increasing the cost.

3. Market demand and supply:

The market demand and supply of different materials will also affect the price. If the demand for ASTM A516 Gr.70 is high and the supply is relatively small, then the price may go up. On the contrary, if the supply of ASTM A105 is sufficient and the demand is less, the price may be lower.

4. Manufacturing complexity:

Flanges are generally simpler to manufacture than pressure vessels because they are usually simpler shapes. ASTM A516 Gr.70 material may require more engineering work to meet the needs of pressure vessels of various shapes and sizes.

In summary, the price difference between ASTM A516 Gr.70 and ASTM A105 can be attributed to various factors such as material properties, market demand, availability, and manufacturing complexity. When purchasing, these factors should be weighed based on specific needs and applications to select the right material and consider its price.